Batter in the Box

[dhutton]

If this has already been covered in another question, forgive, I did look and couldn't find it.

 

PONY-13 Baseball. R3, 1 out and a 2-1 count on the batter. Pitcher throws a 52 foot breaking ball that goes to the backstop (to the 3rd base side). R3 is coming home to score on the passed ball. Batter stays in the box and never moves…doesn’t even flinch. Pitcher is covering and cannot make a play because the batter is in the way. I called Batter Interference and the runner out. The coach (like a complete gentleman) came out and told me that in his “personal studies of the baseball rule bookâ€, the batter had to right to stay in the box that it belonged to him and I (also like a complete gentleman I might add) let him know that in most cases he is correct, however, in this particular case where there is a wild pitch and a play is being made at the plate, it is the batters responsibility to vacate the box. I furthermore informed him that if there had been 2 outs, I would have called the batter out on the play to end the inning. I had to wait until I got home, pulled out my OBR book to find the rule.

 

This is where I need help. I found 7.08 (g) for the out at the plate however, I can’t find the rule that says the batter must vacate the box when there is a play at the plate. The closest I can find is 6.06 ©. Help…!

[MB_Ump]

Try 7.09(d). It is right where you need to be.

[grayhawk]

7.09 ( c ) is what you are looking for:

 

7.09 It is interference by a batter or a runner when—

 

( c ) Before two are out and a runner on third base, the batter hinders a fielder in making a play at home base; the runner is out;

 

If the batter has an opportunity to vacate the box, then he must do so or be in jeopardy of interfering.  Where this doesn't apply is on a squeeze play where the batter must be given an opportunity to lay down a bunt.  If he tries and misses, then he can't be expected to vacate the box before F2 catches the pitch and tries to tag R3.  Ball to the backstop?  Get out of Dodge (and don't interfere in the process).

[UmpJM]

dhutton,

 

Your ruling was correct, and your explanation was "spot on".

 

However, you will not find ANYTHING in the text of the OBR rules that says anything like "...unless he has the opportunity to clear the area and fails to do so..." because it's not there. It is, however, how the rule is properly enforced.

 

For that, you need an interpretation manual. Like J/R for example:

 

(b) after a pitch goes past the catcher, such batter interferes with a subsequent play on a runner at the plate (batter is treated as an "offensive teammmate" for purposes of requirements and penalization. ...) [7.08g] [7.09d].  

 

It then goes on to say that in that situation, if he has the opportunity, the batter must make a reasonable effort to vacate any area the defense needs to make a play.

 

JM

[dhutton]

JM,

Thanks for the info. The coach never questioned me after my call. It was more of a personal thing trying to find the "Box" in the book. You know how it is when you know the rule but you want to see it in writing. Your explanation helped me remember the interpretation aspect of the rule and intent.

 

Dan